"The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 8" is a compilation of speeches and essays by Robert G. Ingersoll, an American orator and agnostic of the 19th century. The book covers a range of topics, including religion, politics, science, and literature. Throughout the book, Ingersoll expresses his skepticism towards religion and advocates for agnosticism. He argues that religion is not based on evidence or reason, but rather on blind faith, which has caused many of the world's problems. Ingersoll promotes a secular society where science and reason are used to make decisions, rather than religious beliefs. In addition to his critiques of religion, Ingersoll also discusses various social and political issues of his time, such as women's rights, the role of government, and the abolition of slavery. He advocates for individual freedom and the right to live one's life as they choose, as long as they do not harm others. Ingersoll's writing is marked by his eloquence, wit, and rationality, and his speeches and essays were popular during his time and continue to be studied and appreciated by readers and scholars today.
Known as "the Great Agnostic," Robert G. Ingersoll was an American lawyer, author, and orator who advocated for agnosticism during the Golden Age of Free Thought. He lived from August 11, 1833, to July 21, 1899. In Dresden, New York, Robert Ingersoll was born. His father, John Ingersoll, was a radical Congregationalist preacher who supported abolition and regularly moved his family as a result of his views. While American revivalist Charles G. Finney was on a tour of Europe, Rev. John Ingersoll temporarily filled in as the preacher. After Finney's return, Rev. Ingersoll stayed as Finney's co-pastor and associate pastor. In 1853, "Bob" Ingersoll spent a time teaching in Metropolis, Illinois, where he delegated the "larger part of the instruction, while Latin and history absorbed his own attention" to one of his pupils, the future judge Angus M. L. McBane. Ingersoll had already worked as a teacher in Mount Vernon, Illinois, at some point before taking the position in Metropolis. On February 13, 1862, Ingersoll wed Eva Amelia Parker (1841–1923). Their two daughters were well-known feminists and suffragists, Eva Ingersoll-Brown, was the elder daughter.
